Imperial Beach Pier Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW, S
Wind
East.
Surf Height
Shoulder high to overhead.
Tide
Mid.
Imperial Beach Pier Surf Guide
IB, as it's known, breaks year-round and can hold some of the best sandbars in San Diego County. Southwest swells are received better here than most any spot in central San Diego, making it a good summertime alternative to Mexico's beaches. Medium tides work best. The shape and location of sandbars vary: sometimes it's hotter near the pier, and sometimes it's better farther south. The very end of Seacoast Drive is a popular spot. There's plenty of public parking, and, south of that, sand and ocean to one side, and wetlands to the other. Note: OB is home to some of the dirtiest water in the country, to the point that it's been closed for multiple years at a time due to bacteria.
Local Vibe
Protective when on.
Crowd Factor
Spread out.
Spot Rating
6
Shoulder Burn
Minor when small; tough when bigger.
Water Quality
Generally very bad.
Hazards
Possibly the most polluted beach in the state.
Access
Right there.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
Year-round.
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